In a revealing and deeply reflective encounter, the Southern Adamawa senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Abdulkadir Idiris, opened up on his life journey, political philosophy, and readiness to challenge the status quo—offering a portrait of a man shaped by experience, discipline, and a wide network across Nigeria’s professional and political landscape.
When confronted with questions on his capacity to deliver, Idiris did not rush into promises. Instead, he leaned on history—his own.
“I believe before I answer, my background should tell you who I am,” he began, taking the conversation back to his formative years at Barewa College, Zaria, a prestigious institution known for producing Nigeria’s elite.
From there, he rose through the ranks as a Quantity Surveyor, gaining exposure that would define his worldview. His professional journey took him into the banking sector, where he served at the then IBWA (later Afribank) in the Projects Department—working alongside top-tier professionals, including renowned designers and industry leaders.
He recalled with pride his interactions with figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Darius Ishaku, as well as his collaboration with respected architects like Majikondomi, whose work includes the iconic Central Bank building in Lagos.
According to him, these associations were not just encounters—they were classrooms of experience.
A Career Built on Exposure, Discipline, and National Service
After his banking career, Idiris ventured into private consultancy, before working with Kaduna Aluminium Company, then the only aluminium production giant in Northern Nigeria, where he served as a subcontractor on major projects.
His trajectory later expanded into outdoor advertising, where he contributed to revenue generation across states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto—demonstrating his versatility in both public and private sectors.
His entry into federal service came through the Federal Character Commission, where he rose from Assistant Chief Quantity Surveyor to Director, retiring in 2023 after years of strategic national service.
He briefly transitioned into the National Assembly environment, further deepening his understanding of legislative processes.
“It’s Not About Party—It’s About Capacity”
Addressing concerns about running under a relatively new platform, Idiris was emphatic:
“Your pedigree determines your impact—not just your party. Nigerians are getting wiser. They now look beyond party lines to identify those who can truly deliver.”
For him, the African Democratic Congress is not a limitation, but an opportunity—one he believes aligns with a growing shift in voter consciousness.
On Youth Empowerment: ‘Access Is Everything’
Drawing from his experience at the Federal Character Commission—one of the country’s key federal executive bodies—Idiris highlighted the importance of institutional access.
He explained that understanding how government agencies operate is critical to unlocking opportunities for constituents, especially youths.
He pointed to federal initiatives such as NELFUND and other intervention agencies where, according to him, “resources are available—but only those who know how to engage the system can attract them.”
Idiris revealed that this is not his first political outing. He contested in 2007 but stepped down under party arrangements at the time.
Now, nearly two decades later, he says the political climate has evolved:
“The youth are more enlightened now. Politics is no longer what it used to be. People are asking questions—and that makes the system healthier.”
Confidence of a Man Called ‘Old Weather’
Perhaps the most striking moment came when he spoke about his confidence.
Describing himself as tested and resilient, Idiris noted:
“You cannot sell a bad product. If you are not credible, no party can save you. But if you have the capacity, people will believe in you.”
It is this self-assurance, he said, that earned him the nickname “Old Weather”—a metaphor for strength, endurance, and consistency.
“Legislators Must Lobby, Not Just Promise”
On governance, Idiris drew a clear line between legislative and executive roles.
He cautioned against what he described as the “culture of empty promises,” emphasizing that lawmakers are primarily responsible for law-making and strategic lobbying, not direct project execution.
According to him, the real test of a senator lies in their ability to attract federal presence.
Southern Adamawa’s Missing Share
In a sharp critique, Idiris pointed out the glaring infrastructural imbalance within Adamawa State.
He lamented that while other zones boast significant federal institutions, Southern Adamawa continues to lag behind, citing the absence of a Federal Medical Centre and other critical infrastructure.
“Look at what exists in the Central and Northern zones—then compare it with the South. The gap is clear. And it must be addressed.”
As the 2027 race gradually takes shape, the candidacy of Abdulkadir Idiris presents a compelling narrative—one rooted in experience, confidence, and a promise to leverage connections rather than just campaign slogans.
Whether this “Old Weather” politician can convert his vast exposure into electoral victory remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: the conversation in Southern Adamawa has begun to change.
PIONEER NEWS 